Persuasive Written and Oral Advocacy in Trial and Appellate Courts

by Fontham, Michael R.; Vitiello, Michael; Miller, David W.

• ISBN13: 9780735524507
• ISBN10: 0735524505
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2002-03-01
• Publisher: Wolters Kluwer

Summary

Persuasive Oral and Written Advocacy: In Trial and Appellate Courts offers detailed coverage of appellate practice as well as trial-court motions practice. it takes the reader from start to finish through the processes of writing, editing, and presenting effective written arguments, and also preparing and delivering persuasive oral arguments. to familiarize prospective lawyers with essential skills and concepts, this title includes: a step-by-step guide to preparing and editing effective written and oral arguments special attention To The distinct requirements of trial and appellate courts a detailed focus on the procedural requirements for preserving issues, taking appeals, and seeking appellate review the authors draw on their experience in teaching and practice to focus on what students need to learn. They offer: extensive examples for legal writing and editing - the text demonstrates what it describes practical advice on oral argument in appellate and trial settings an emphasis on the judge's perspective, which needs to be considered when preparing an argument checklists in every chapter for easy reference and review a detailed Teacher's Manual an annual companion supplement offering a fully developed litigation problem Crafted for classroom effectiveness, yet rooted in the practical realities of lawyering, Persuasive Written and Oral Advocacy: In Trial and Appellate Courts deserves your careful consideration for adoption.

Author Biography

David W. Miller is Professor of Law, University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law.

Table of Contents

Preface	xix
Acknowledgments	xxi
Introduction	xxiii
Part I. Persuasive Legal Writing	1	(146)
Organizing The Written Presentation	3	(14)
Introduction	3	(1)
General Principles of Organization	4	(2)
Structural Requirements in Legal Persuasion	6	(3)
Limiting the Number of Arguments	9	(1)
Preparing an Outline	9	(8)
Writing For Clarity	17	(32)
Introduction	18	(1)
Meeting the Needs of the Audience	18	(2)
Getting Started	20	(1)
Writing Techniques
Using Introductory Overviews	20	(1)
Use Paragraphs to Implement the Organization	21	(2)
Using Parallel Constructions	23	(1)
Need for a Conversational Style	24	(1)
Need for Concise, Clear Language	25	(1)
Eliminating Filler	26	(3)
Achieving a Clear, Concise Style	29	(4)
Avoiding Common Grammatical Errors	33	(3)
Avoiding a Ponderous Style	36	(3)
Using Restrained Language	39	(1)
Presenting the Law
Minimizing Clutter in the Text from Citations and Other References	39	(1)
Discussing the Authorities in a Conversational Style	40	(1)
Using an Understandable Citation Form	41	(1)
Avoiding Disruptive Quotations	42	(2)
Appropriate Use of Footnotes	44	(1)
Avoiding Treatise-Like Discussions of the Law	45	(4)
Writing Persuasively	49	(56)
Introduction	50	(1)
Prevailing Approaches to Legal Analysis	50	(3)
Identifying and Constructing a Theme
Finding Your Theme	53	(2)
Positioning the Essential Points to Make Them Thematic	55	(1)
Parts of a Persuasive Presentation
Importance of the Issue Statement	56	(1)
Framing the Issue: Six Tests	57	(5)
The Statement of Facts	62	(4)
Examples of Factual Techniques	66	(3)
An Additional Example	69	(1)
Using the Facts in the Argument	70	(1)
The Argument	71	(7)
Arguing a Choice of Rule	78	(2)
The Conclusion	80	(1)
Use of Headings	81	(2)
Persuasive Methods
Avoiding ``Case Briefing''	83	(3)
Using an Authoritative Style	86	(1)
Focusing on Strengths	87	(1)
Tying up Arguments	88	(1)
Making Citations Meaningful	88	(1)
Using Visual Aids	89	(1)
Avoiding Excessive Zeal	90	(2)
Keeping Policy in Perspective	92	(1)
Responsive Arguments
Introduction	93	(1)
Analysis of the Opposition Brief	93	(1)
Identifying the Opposing Party's Arguments	94	(1)
Basic Approaches in Making the Responsive Argument	95	(1)
Concentrating on Important Points	96	(1)
Capitalizing on Concessions	96	(1)
Pointing Out Omissions	97	(1)
Taking Advantage of Inconsistent Arguments	98	(1)
Taking Advantage of Inaccuracies and Excesses	98	(1)
Using Argumentative Labels	98	(7)
Editing	105	(24)
Introduction	105	(1)
Editing for Structure	106	(2)
Structuring a Rules Argument: An Example	108	(9)
Using Point Headings to Support Overall Structure	117	(1)
Editing Paragraphs	118	(1)
Editing Paragraphs: Examples	119	(3)
Content and Style of Sentences	122	(2)
Giving Punch to Your Prose	124	(1)
Varying the Style	125	(2)
Reading Questionable Passages Out Loud	127	(1)
Need to Rewrite, Rewrite, and Rewrite	127	(2)
Finding And Applying The Law	129	(18)
Introduction	129	(1)
Finding Controlling Authority	130	(3)
Practical Research Tips	133	(2)
Ranking Authority	135	(12)
Part II. Oral Argument	147	(66)
Preparing For Oral Argument	149	(30)
Introduction	150	(1)
Importance of Oral Argument
Professional Importance	151	(1)
Importance to the Judicial System	152	(1)
Importance to the Outcome of the Case	153	(1)
Role of Oral Argument in the Judicial System	154	(1)
Institutional and Practical Considerations Affecting Oral Argument
Institutional Considerations	155	(1)
Elusiveness of Oral Presentations	156	(1)
Requirements of Good Oral Argument
Ten Essentials	157	(3)
Preparing for the Argument
Need for Preparation	160	(1)
Need to Review All Relevant Material	161	(1)
Study of the Court	162	(1)
Planning the Argument
Need for a Good Structure	163	(1)
Requirement of a Simple Structure	163	(1)
Preparing the Outline	164	(1)
Preparing the Delivery: A Suggested Technique
Methods of Delivery	165	(1)
Reading	165	(1)
Memorization	166	(1)
The Impromptu Method	167	(1)
Excessive Reliance on Notes	167	(1)
The Extemporaneous Method	168	(1)
Preparing the Extemporaneous Argument: A Step-by-Step Technique	169	(2)
Preparation for Questions and Adverse Points	171	(1)
Need for Access to Important Information	171	(8)
Presenting The Oral Argument	179	(34)
Introduction
Introduction	180	(1)
Content of the Oral Argument
The Opening	180	(3)
Need for Signposts	183	(1)
Statement of the Facts	184	(1)
Best Techniques for Reviewing the Facts	184	(3)
Proper Approach for the Appellee	187	(1)
Argument of the Issues	188	(2)
Concentrating on the Strongest Points	190	(1)
Selection of Points by the Appellee	190	(1)
Need for a Theme	191	(2)
Discussion of Authorities	193	(1)
Questions from the Bench	194	(1)
Types of Questions	194	(2)
Handling Questions	196	(2)
The Closing	198	(1)
Making Responsive Arguments
Preparation for Delivering the Response	199	(1)
Responsive Points of the Appellee	200	(1)
Appellant's Rebuttal	200	(1)
Reaction to Comments from the Court	201	(1)
Special Considerations
Rules of Practice	201	(3)
Suggestions for the Delivery of Oral Argument	204	(2)
Dealing with Anxiety	206	(1)
The Postargument Brief	207	(6)
Part III. Trial Proceedings	213	(18)
Preparing Memoranda For The Trial Court And Research Memoranda	215	(16)
Introduction	215	(1)
Researching Litigation Issues	216	(3)
Motions	219	(2)
Memoranda Supporting Motions	221	(1)
Opposing Memoranda	222	(1)
The Pretrial Memorandum	223	(1)
Form and Content of the Pretrial Memorandum	224	(2)
The Posttrial Memorandum	226	(1)
Proposed Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law	227	(2)
Oral Argument in Trial Court	229	(2)
Part IV. Handling Appeals and Writs	231	(106)
Taking An Appeal	233	(30)
Introduction	234	(1)
Taking an Appeal
Appellate Jurisdiction and Appealability	234	(1)
Filing and Docketing Requirements	235	(2)
Prerequisites for Review of Appeal
Preservation of Issues as a Prerequisite for Review	237	(1)
Basic Content of the Preservation Rule	238	(1)
Importance of the Preservation Rule	239	(1)
History of the Preservation Rule	240	(1)
Vitality of the Preservation Rule	241	(1)
The Subject-Matter Jurisdiction Exception to the Preservation Rule	242	(1)
The Plain Error Exception to the Preservation Rule	243	(1)
Other Exceptions to the Preservation Rule	244	(1)
Application of the Preservation Rule: New Legal Theories Raised on Appeal	244	(1)
Need for a Complete Record on Appeal	245	(1)
Deciding to Appeal
Introduction	246	(1)
Existence of Appealable Issues	247	(3)
Decision of the Client	250	(1)
An Institutional Consideration: Crowded Appellate Dockets	250	(1)
Cost of an Appeal	251	(1)
Indigent Criminal Appeals	252	(1)
Delay	253	(1)
Possibility of Settlement	254	(1)
Ideological or Professional Considerations	254	(9)
Applying The Standard Of Review	263	(18)
Introduction	263	(1)
The Importance of the Standard of Review	264	(1)
Positioning the Standard of Review	265	(1)
The Different Standards of Review	266	(1)
Questions of Law	267	(1)
Ultimate Fact Issues	267	(1)
Mixed Questions of Law and Fact	268	(2)
Further Refinements of the Mixed Question Problem	270	(1)
Questions of Fact	271	(2)
Abuse of Discretion	273	(1)
Using the Standard of Review	274	(7)
Preparing Appellate Briefs And Oral Argument	281	(36)
Introduction	282	(1)
Preliminary Steps
The Need for Preparation	283	(1)
Efficient Use of Time	283	(2)
Reviewing the Trial Court Decision	285	(1)
Importance of Reviewing the Record	285	(1)
Suggested Approach in Reviewing the Record	286	(1)
Abstracting and Summarizing Important Material	287	(2)
Using Trial Memoranda	289	(1)
Study of the Court	290	(1)
Preparing Your Brief
Need for Planning	291	(1)
The Appellate Briefs	292	(1)
Formal Requirements of an Appellate Brief	292	(3)
Components of the Appellant's Brief: Technical Matters	295	(6)
Components of the Appellant's Brief: The Persuasive Sections	301	(6)
Components of the Appellee's Brief	307	(2)
Appellant's Reply Brief	309	(1)
Form Requirements for Briefs	310	(1)
Oral Argument
Oral Argument in Appellate Courts	311	(6)
Preparing Writ Applications, Petitions For Rehearing, And Appellate Motions	317	(20)
Introduction	318	(1)
The Petition for Certiorari
Purpose of the Petition	318	(1)
Factors Favoring Review	319	(3)
Selection and Presentation of the Issue	322	(1)
Guidelines for Preparing the Petition	323	(2)
Attachments and References	325	(1)
The Brief in Response to the Petition	326	(1)
Factors Favoring Denial of Review	326	(2)
Extraordinary Writ Applications
The Application	328	(1)
Petitions for Rehearing
Limited Chance of Success	329	(1)
Factors Favoring Success of the Petition	330	(3)
Form of the Petition	333	(1)
Rehearing En Banc	333	(1)
Motions
Motions	334	(3)
Appendix I Problem: Olsen v. State of Arcadia	337	(12)
Appendix II Example of an Appellate Brief	349	(56)
Appendix III Example of a Petition for Certiorari	405	(18)
Index	423